Turkey faces risks acting as sanctions 'safe haven' for Russians


FILE PHOTO: Eclipse, a superyacht linked to sanctioned Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, is docked in Marmaris, Turkey March 22, 2022. REUTERS/Yoruk Isik/File Photo

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine sparked a flurry of Western sanctions on Moscow, at least one oligarch and thousands of other Russians have arrived in Turkey, seen as a safe place to stay, invest and hold assets despite its NATO membership.

Acting as a safe haven raises risks for Turkey's government, banks and businesses that could face tough decisions and penalties if the United States and others ramp up pressure on Moscow with broader "secondary" sanctions.

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